Meriva gets a makeover - and 180bhp

With the arrival of the new Astra and Zafira and the facelifted Vectra and Signum, the remainder of the Vauxhall range is starting to show its age.

Hence this, the revised Meriva mini-MPV, which goes on sale early next year. And, just like its mid-sized Zafira brother, the new Meriva range is set to be spearheaded by a fire-breathing VXR version. Due to arrive in the spring, the hot Meriva gets a 178bhp 1.6-litre turbo engine and an aggressive makeover.

The rest of the range also gets a fresh new look, with Vauxhall’s chunky new grille design, reprofiled front and rear bumpers and a chrome strip and smoked tail lights to the rear. Inside there is more chrome and new trim.

But it isn’t all just cosmetic tweaks, the revised mini MPV also gets two new engines. Following the Corsa and Tigra, the Meriva is the latest Vauxhall to get the Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre CDTi common-rail turbodiesel. From 74bhp it manages to propel the Meriva to 98mph, while still returning a massive 57mpg.

If it’s a frugal petrol you’re after, then the other new engine could be of interest. Out goes the ageing entry-level 1.6, replaced with a new Twinport version from the Zafira. Producing 104bhp, the 1.6 has a top speed of 112mph and Vauxhall claims a 42mpg average.

Additions to the options list include halogen Adaptive Forward Lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, a power-release tailgate and remote control interior lights.

Prices will be announced in the new year, but expect little change over the current range.